Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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Evaluates the quality and adequacy of all patient samples before accepting and logging them into the section. Prepares and stains cytology slides for all GYN and non-GYN specimens. Evaluates the quality of all cytology preparations by light microscopy. Makes preliminary diagnoses independently of the pathologist. Makes diagnoses using a wide range of knowledge of the human body and pathologic processes, including normal/abnormal cellular patterns, inflammatory reactions, presence of microorganisms, benign changes, premalignant conditions, and cellular responses to therapeutic agents. Makes diagnoses using clinical history provided and/or consults clinician using experience and knowledge in order to collect significant information necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Uses extensive knowledge of cellular morphology for all specimens which include cervical/vaginal (gynecologic), GI, GU, respiratory, body cavity and cyst fluids, CSF specimens, fine needle aspiration biopsies of all organs (liver, pancreas, adrenal, lymph node, kidney, lung, breast, head, and neck). Monitors stain quality, preparation techniques, and workflow daily. Ensures that cytology turnaround-time metrics are always maintained. Attends fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy procedures throughout the medical center in order to collect, handle, prepare and triage the specimen and render preliminary diagnoses of adequacy (Radiology, Urology, ENT, Oral Surgery, Operating Room, Medical bed services, etc.). Prepares and stains FNA smears for the purpose of rendering an adequacy reading, preliminary diagnosis and specimen triage. Decides how the FNA specimen should be handled (fixed, unfixed, etc.) for further evaluation. Consults with the pathologist (and clinician if present) about patient clinical history and the need for further specimen sampling or additional ancillary tests. Travels or communicates to other departments, as necessary, to advise physicians on proper differential diagnosis, makes independent professional decisions on methods of collection and handling of samples and on the need for repeat of the procedure, if deemed necessary. Reviews cases with clinicians (attending), pathologist, and residents daily. Responsible for assisting the Anatomic Pathology supervisor in implementing and maintaining all regulatory quality control and quality assurance functions related to cytology. Reviews and updates the General Cytology Manual according to all applicable VHA and federal regulatory agency requirements or recommendations. Trains and orients additional support staff, cytotechnologists, residents, and other new employees within cytology.

Participates in VA and CAP proficiency programs. Attends in-house cytology-histology correlation conferences on a regular basis. Attends in-house and outside lectures, conferences, teleconferences, and/or meetings. Updates and adds to continuing education credits on a regular basis. Independently acquires knowledge of current cytology and histology literature in order to adapt and initiate current standards and technologist into the cytology department. Works closely with the pathologist to develop deadlines and objectives and to review all problem cases. Complies with applicable CLIA regulations regarding slides reviewed, prorated to other work performed. Prepares and preview case reports for review by the pathologist and, may release, fax, and file case reports when routine secretarial help is not available. Maintains cytology case slide and requisition files in compliance with mandated guidelines. Subscribes to and abides by the Code of Ethics for Cytotechnologists developed by the ASCT. Works closely with the lab administrator and pathologists, and reports to the Supervisor of the Anatomic Pathology section. Provides forms for and documents daily, quarterly, and annual quality control and quality assurance records. Compiles quarterly statistics as per regulation. Monitors and updates cyto-preparatory charts, procedures, and safety compliance documents. Complies with the guidelines of the hospital, CLIA, CAP, TJC and VA regulatory agencies. Responsible for collecting, researching and reporting acceptable cases for proficiency testing purposes. These cases are sent to VA and CAP offices for acceptance and distribution. Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 57398F

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university and successfully completed a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredited cytotechnology program. c. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization approved by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. d. Certification (1) Candidates must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. (2) Loss of Certification. An employee who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. e. Grandfathering Provision. All cytotechnologists employed in VHA, in this occupational series, performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all the qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements of this standard, but met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to the position, the following provisions apply:
• (1) Cytotechnologists that do not meet the basic requirements for education and certification may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
• (2) Cytotechnologists appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended, or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
• (3) Cytotechnologists initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain education and/or certification that meets all the basic requirem
• (4) Cytotechnologists who were retained in this occupation, under this provision, and subsequently leave the occupation, lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. f. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Serviceents of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations:
(a) Experience. The candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the journey level (GS-9) that is directly related to the position to be filled.
(b) Assignments. For all assignments above the journey level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. At the advanced level, the cytotechnologist independently performs and monitors processes such as smear preparation, slide fixation, cell block preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining. If a discrepancy is identified with these processes, the cytotechnologist will troubleshoot and take corrective action. The cytotechnologist may act as a technical resource in writing and establishing new processes or procedures. The cytotechnologist performs a full range of specialized tasks, including collecting, compiling, and analyzing data according to the laboratory quality management program. The cytotechnologist uses these laboratory data to implement any needed quality improvement initiatives. The incumbent will research, test, validate, and implement new procedures and equipment.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is 09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is 11.

Physical Requirements: ???????See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.